Precinct Perspectives

03 Jul 2019

My view of Docklands; from NewQuay

Docklands does not have an active residents’ group, but that doesn’t mean as residents we don’t have opinions or stories to share.

I am sharing my perspective of NewQuay with the aim of providing a platform for neighbours and dwellers to contribute to building community, exchange ideas, and open discussions on what works and where steps need to be taken for improvements.

As we all know, stepping out for winter dusk walks in NewQuay is always special. Saying hello to neighbours and dog owners, people watching the visitors viewing the menus at the restaurants, and residents returning home after a long day of work.

There are still some die-hard fishermen on the docks, and I don’t think they are trying to identify the breed of jellyfish, nor estimate the water’s temperature. I think they have wishful thinking of an entrapped school that will go for the bait. The night time canoeist flashing lights can be seen, and so can teams training on dragon boats.

There is something about living close to the water, the openness of the Yarra River mouth and a view of the Bolte Bridge lighting up the night sky. I think it may be the openness and the closeness to water that makes taking a walk in NewQuay Promenade special and safe. The water may be still, wavy, murky or clear, and seagulls are busy hustling after the coot’s catch. It’s always cooler in Docklands and windier, fresh maybe or just freezing. I forget how close I am to the bustle and greyness of the city. As the evening approaches the apartment lights go on. Dwellers settle in. We all remember how pretty Docklands is at night.

I remember that in the morning, I will check with my building manager about repairs to one of the building’s many sophisticated operational systems. For Docklands dwellers, simplified living is what it’s about. The shift from a house to an apartment living requires downsizing, shedding, simplifying, and if keen, implementing the “KonMari” method. It’s not only about living with less things, it is also about functionality and making your space to work for you. Functionality and organisation take priority. Apartment dwellers know this. We know the ABC of shedding, with donation bins and hard rubbish points pivotally placed in NewQuay apartment blocks, and several systems in place to make high-rise dwelling liveable. We appreciate functional and operational apartment blocks. Apartments are small, so functionality is prioritised.

So, why highlight New Quay, you may ask?

Is it just functional living and walking close to the water? Living in Docklands saves you time. For city workers, it is so close that they feel near home once they leave the office. For public transport users, it’s so close to the major stations. So, we lucky few in New Quay have more time for other things, because we saved time on a commute.

The time saving means that we line up an exercise regime, brisk walk or jog along the promenade, enjoy a late ice-cream indulgence at The District or hop onto a free tram or Uber pool to venture into other parts of Melbourne.

The magic and warmth of the Firelight Festival last month, where thousands of Melburnians enjoyed meals, music, synchronised water fountains, flame jets, and fireworks highlighted how much Docklands has to offer.

Solstice has passed and as winter progresses we are looking forward to a new season, and upcoming changes to NewQuay. Spring approaches, and so does a new fresh produce market, supermarket, primary school and a few more apartment blocks. More residents, and more opportunities for our community. What are your suggestions for changes and improvements?

Precinct Perspective is a new column featuring monthly in Docklands News. It will rotate between residents from the three major precincts – NewQuay, Victoria Harbour and Yarra’s Edge – to provide a platform for residents to exchange views, ideas and issues across Docklands.